Tow Dolly+Welded rear?

Xlain

Xlain

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 28, 2007
Location
Pittsboro NC
Anything I should look out for in case my rig ever breaks on the trail and I have to tow it home on a tow dolly?
I drive it to/from the trails, but I'm worried if I break and I have to tow it home, I'll run into problems since the rear end wont want to turn and if anyone has done it before.
I guess if noone knows I'll just throw it on the dolly and try to tow it around town a few times.
Thanks guys
 
I dont know if it would be a problem or not, but if you try and it is maybe consider figuring out a way to FIRMLY and SECURELY lock the steering and tow it backwards.
 
kicker30 said:
I dont know if it would be a problem or not, but if you try and it is maybe consider figuring out a way to FIRMLY and SECURELY lock the steering and tow it backwards.
Click to expand...
I realize that, but what I'm worried about breaking most is the front axle anyway, so that wouldn't be so helpful. Thanks though
 
I towed my old XJ on 33" Boggers and a welded rear all over on a tow dolly. Only ever had one issue and that was when I tried towing it backwards(rear on dolly). DON'T DO IT! Never had any other issues even when making u turns or running 80mph. If you have soft suspension in the front(like I did), it helps to load the front suspension in some way. Either a ratchet strap from frame to axle or do like I did and hook the winch to the axle. Helps ALOT with stability.
 
Gary R. had a VERY bad experience towing his locked XJ on a dolly... Long story short, XJ locker (possibly due to uneven tire pressure) caused the whole train to start wobbly and sent the whole shebang into the guardrail at 55mph.

Due to NO brakes on the dolly, slowing down did correct it and it escalated into a total loss of his nice FSJ Waggy.
 
Caver Dave said:
Gary R. had a VERY bad experience towing his locked XJ on a dolly... Long story short, XJ locker (possibly due to uneven tire pressure) caused the whole train to start wobbly and sent the whole shebang into the guardrail at 55mph.
Due to NO brakes on the dolly, slowing down did correct it and it escalated into a total loss of his nice FSJ Waggy.
Click to expand...

Braking is the wrong reaction to harmonic swerving in any tow setup without brakes. Accelerate out of it and then slow once the tail stops wagging. Usually its a quick and easy correction if caught before it gets amplified/exagerated.

Loading the towed vehicle in the center of the dolly is key to eliminate any potential sway.

We have towed a spooled XJ on a dolly with a Dodge 2500 qc lb CTD for thousands of milesover the years without incident. I am always sure to center the loaded vehicle on the dolly.
We also load the front suspension with the winch and then chain it down. (fwiw we also found it necessary to load the front when on my buddy's 2 car trailer behind an F550 to eliminate roll.) I hjave found that ratchet straps pop loose when the suspension bounces, so chain is my preferred method.

A dolly is not the ideal towing situation but with a full size truck as a tow-rig and paying proper attention to what you're doing it gets the job done adequately and safely. You cannot back up more than 20 ft so you just have to plan a few moves ahead for fuel stops, etc. Again, it all comes down to paying attention and not being a dumb-ass.
 
Locker is not the same as a spool. Spools are predictable. the want to go straight all the time. Automagic lockers change their mind whenever it suits them.

I'd tow it with a spool, just avoid SHARP turning if possible.
 
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